Hyotan shape, pink-orange with various designs
Origin : Japan
Made of : porcelain - potery
Classification : things / shapes
Maker : ?
About "hyotan" (hyotan - 瓢箪, 瓢簞) :
Member of the cucurbits family, the Hyotan was introduced to Japan during the early Jomon period and has been part of Japanese life for over ten thousand years. Although sometimes grown for food, it has mainly been cultivated to make vessels or gourds.
Gourds made from a hyoutan sold in a shop
About "Japanese maple" (momiji - 紅葉) :
The Japanese maple (acer palmatum) has been cultivated and selected for centuries by Japanese. It's a small to medium size tree with leaves looking like a little hand (momiji). Because of it's small leaves, momiji trees are often used for bonsaïs.
In autumn, some species turn into a very vibrant red. Like for the cherry blossom, Japanese gather to admire the momiji in temples and parks. Kyoto temples and gardens are famous for their beautiful momiji. The mix between bright red and tender green momiji leaves is a delight for the eyes.
Japanese maples in Kyoto
Momiji leaves
